Tubal ligation - discharge

Alternate Names

When You Were in the Hospital

You had tubal ligation (or "tying the tubes") surgery to close your fallopian tubes. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. After tubal ligation a woman is sterile. This means you can no longer get pregnant.

Your surgeon probably made 1 or 2 small cuts in the area around your belly button. Then your surgeon inserted a laparoscope (a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end) and other instruments into your pelvic area. Your tubes were either cauterized (burned shut) or clamped off with a small clip, a ring, or rubber bands.

What to Expect at Home

You may have many symptoms that last 2 to 4 days. As long as they are not severe, these symptoms are normal:

Shoulder pain

Scratchy or sore throat

Swollen belly (bloated) and crampy

Some discharge or bleeding from your vagina

You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 2 or 3 days. But, you should avoid heavy lifting for 3 weeks.